The Election Campaign
The Election Campaign
Signed Print
David Hockney
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Medium: Etching
Edition size: 50
Year: 1963
Size: H 30cm x W 40cm
Signed: Yes
Format: Signed Print
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Meaning & Analysis
Showing a politician giving a speech, while two shadowy figures look on, The Election Campaign is notable in this series for the absence of the figure of David Hockney. Throughout his version of A Rake’s Progress – which details his first visit to the city of New York – he can be seen as an observer or protagonist, easily recognisable thanks to his round glasses. Here the focus is instead turned on the figure of the man in a suit who is accompanied by two speech bubbles; the first in red, asks the audience to vote on primary day and appears to contain the usual generalisations and pontifications we have come to expect from political speeches, as signified by Hockney with the inclusion of ‘etc. etc. etc. …’ The other speech bubble is somewhat more sinister however, its words obscured by a cross hatching of black ink, suggesting the ‘dark message’ of the title which perhaps refers to a nefarious subtext or dishonesty in the politician’s words. In the foreground the two silhouetted figures listen, heads bowed, perhaps out of necessity or perhaps from a lack of anything better to do – a sign on the right indicates the bar is closed.
British-born artist David Hockney is a kaleidoscopic force in the art world. Born in 1937, Hockney's vibrant palette and innovative techniques have left an indelible mark on contemporary art. A pioneer of the British Pop Art movement in the 1960s, he seamlessly transitioned through various styles, from photo collages to vivid landscapes. Renowned for his exploration of light and space, Hockney's versatility extends to painting, printmaking, photography, and stage design. A captivating storyteller, his works often capture the essence of modern life with a playful yet profound touch. With a career spanning decades, Hockney remains an enduring visionary in the ever-evolving art world.
